The new Caring for Men forum was held at Britwell Community Centre on Tuesday 14 September 2022.
The main objective of the forum was to gather male members of the Slough community to discuss the issues relating to men’s physical and mental health and to try to address those issues in an open discussion, in a safe space.
13 men from Langley, Britwell, Cippenham and Central Slough attended this first session.
Shahid Qazi, the Wellbeing Coordinator from Slough Carers Support, explained the importance of taking time out. It is generally observed that women take time out and express their feelings to each other, whereas men keep their feelings to themselves. It’s therefore vital for our combined mental and physical health to meet and express our feelings, said Shahid.
The session continued with members introducing themselves to each other and everyone participated in conversation, sharing their experiences and expressing their feelings.
One attendee said: “I am thankful from the bottom of my heart that I was given a chance to express my feelings.” The man had lived and worked in Slough for 42 years and was never asked to express his feelings. He felt much better after the session.
It was a valuable first session and the next one will take place in three months’ time.